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Cyber Café Raided by State Police

Several customers stand befuddled outside the B & B Cyber Café on Tuesday afternoon while State Troopers guard the door and investigators work diligently inside. The loophole gaming parlor was raided suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, with customers held and questioned, and the café shut down.

Hordes of State Police investigators conducted a sudden raid on the B&B Cyber Café – otherwise known as a loophole casino – Tuesday afternoon in what became a startling scene within the Mahoney Circle strip mall.

Just after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, State Police and investigators stormed into the establishment and demanded everyone stop what they were doing, according to customers who were inside the café.

“They told us to put down our cards and don’t touch the machines anymore,” said one woman in the parking lot following the raid. “I had three free spins and I wanted to use them, but they wouldn’t let us touch the machines. They asked us a few questions and if we’d lost any money. Then we had to leave and come out here…We didn’t get any of our money back or our winnings.”

The cyber café operates under a loophole in the law that allows gaming through a sweepstakes – much like the phone card machine that inundate the City. Participants can legally purchase time on the computer at B&B and then they are able to play a sweepstakes for money. While many attempts have been made by state government to shut down such operations, nothing has stuck yet and the practice appears to be legal.

Only a raid on a similar cyber café in the South Shore by the state Attorney General’s Office has stuck, and apparently that comes from legislation recently passed at the behest of House Speaker Bob DeLeo.

However, to everyone’s amazement, nothing had ever happened to the Revere café – despite many months of conjecture after the South Shore raid.

A spokesperson for the AG’s Office told the Journal in January that they could neither confirm nor deny any investigation concerning B&B.

On Tuesday afternoon, despite the obvious activity, a spokesman from the AG’s Office said exactly the same thing.

“It is our office policy not to confirm or deny investigations,” reiterated the spokesman.

Nevertheless, sources told the Journal that the investigation was indeed being conducted by State Police who were assigned to the AG’s Office, and the raid was part of a sting on Internet gaming.

On Tuesday, customers gathered in the parking lot after being questioned by State Police.

Nearly 50 people had gathered outside – most of them elderly women and some middle-aged men. A good many of them were angry, having lost their winnings for the day. Others were indifferent, but a little disturbed by having been questioned.

“I told them I didn’t have to answer any questions if I didn’t want to,” said one elderly woman outside.

“I told them I had been kicked out of better places than this,” added another woman with a laugh.

State Police and some local Revere Police investigators did not address the media or the crowd.

Inside, investigators appeared to be examining the computers and taking pictures.

At one point, B&B owner Bob Kelley came out from the premises and addressed the crowd outside.

He apologized to the customers and told them that no one was being arrested and he was prepared to fight it.

“We’re very sorry this happened to you all,” he said repeatedly. “We have our lawyers and we’re going to fight this. We’re not done.”

Lou

What a shame. The people at the cafe are mostly elderly and retired persons who have every right to spend their money and time anyway they would like. It was a great place for them to spend time together, have some laughs and spend an afternoon or evening. The alternative for them would be to sit home alone in front of a TV and maybe have no interaction with other people. There are DRUGS and MURDERS happening all over Revere, Boston etc. and this is what they focus attention on. How is it different from the thousands of scratch tickets hanging all over every convenience store throughout the state. Keno machines in every darn restaurant etc. Is the issue really that the state is not making any money from this? Of course it is!!! What of the horse tracks and dog tracks that were gambling establishments for years. I don’t understand the difference. This Cafe was not interfering with anyone’s life other than they people that went there VOLUNTARILY. If they want to use the computers, play games, have a meeting and gathering place. WHAT is the PROBLEM!!! ??? I sincerly hope they are able to reopen… There are more serious issues happening in Massachusetts!!! HOW RIDCULOUS!…
I know I will miss having a place to escape to now and then without having to drive hours to another state…to gamble a little and meet a few people along the way.

Blondediva40

I Agree, the amount of officers and FBI agents was overkill, go after the real criminals. I would much rather go 2o minute out of my way to see nice people then drive 2 hrs and be miserable. Most of the elderly that went there it was part of their daily routine, and probably their only interaction with others for the day! What a shame!

Not2sweet_21

I agree It’s our money and we should be able to spend it anyway we want..Your absolutely right about the state lottery..It’s okay to spend your hard earned money on a 10.00 scratch ticket.I think the state is so screwed up..It’s run buy a bunch of liars, thieves, and greed..

KASHMIR

ITS ALL ABOUT THE GOV.ALWAYS WANTING EVERYONE ELSES MONEY….MONEY MONEY MONEY!!! THAT ALL THEY CARE ABOUT GETTING THERE CUT!!!!! ITS NOT YOUR MONEY IN THE FIRST PLACE.B&B CAFE IS A GREAT PLACE FOR THE ELDERLY AND ALL AGES,TO SIT BACK AND ENJOY THEMSELVES…AND IT IS OUR BUSINESS WHAT WE DO WITH OUR TIME AND MONEY…..GO AFTER THE RAPEST ,MURDERS AND DRUG DEALERS..DO YOUR JOB …..LEAVE THE INNOCENT ALONE….AND IF ANY OF YOU FROM THE CAFE READ THIS I MISS YOU ALL AND ALL THE WORKERS AND BOBBY YOUR THE BEST!!!!!!!!YOU’LL BE OPENED SOON AND ILL BE RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE.XO

Pom41

I agree with all comments. It is all about money— the state wants their cut. We all miss the friendly atmosphere and regret this has happened to Bobby and Brian who have been really nice to evreyone.
Listen to the people they want this –not driving one hour to Rhode Island or two hours to Connecticut.
Mass lottery are the worst crooks.

Bobby—-Hope to see you soon
Marie, John and Loretta (Lala)

Pom41

Hi Lou
This is Marie –we talked outside last week. If you hear anything can you email me. I am the one who said you are a nice guy, and I met your sisters up at Seabrook

Marie from Medford

Italod

Unfortunately, Kashmir, we live in Massachusetts: said to be one of the most liberal of states, but one of those most likely to have government sticking its nose most frequently and intrusively into residents’ own business and daily lives.

Rbk1

Hi Marie, john and Loretta, (lala)

It’s Bobby, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful things said here. Brian and I are working with our lawyers to get things up and running ASAP!!
We are both do overwhelmed with all of the love and support we have received. We cannot wait to be back at the cafe with all of our friends and family.

Joyce Barresi

To Bobby, Brian, Roseann & Wes I miss you all very much. There is a very large void in my life right now, and I hope it is filled soon Love and luck to you Joyce B

Sophialoro6

Ironically the raid was the same day as the passing of the Casino bill. The Internet sweepstakes gives a 75 to 80% return on your points. Purchasing 2000 points and playing those points for an hour is much safer than playing slots at a casino because the return at a Casino is ONLY 10% of your money. It’s even more satiating than buying a $20 scratch ticket in less than 20 seconds to give back to the state. That’s what you don’t understand. The B & B cafe was a meeting place, a social need for new friends and old friends to have a few laughs and your 2000 points goes a long way. People are not losing their homes from Internet Sweepstakes, they will be losing their homes from Casino gambling. The elderly had a place to go and laugh and become computer saavy and relax. The citizens from Massachusetts gives a billion dollars per year to Foxwood and Mohegan Sun…that is why Casino gambling was passed in Massachusetts. It really is all about money..and who is making more of the cut.

Sophialoro6

Of all the cafes, you did things right…and you conducted your establishment with the points and coffee and treats in the appropriate manner respecting all who entered your cafe. I am certain that your lawyers will work diligently to right the wrongs that have occurred.

Blondediva40

Hey Bobby,
We are thinking of you and the gang, wishing you all the luck! I ‘m sure I speak for everyone , you guys need anything just ask us!

CP

Dragonlady0

I agree with all the posts on this sight, Jack and I always had a good time and did not spend thousands to do so. I wish Bobby and Bryan the best of luck and hope to see you soon. Dragonlady0

Neesey

wemiss you guys and can’t wait to see you all back in the circle
lost for what to do with our time

Jerrispersonalemails

Everyday I got up and couldn’t wait to see my firends at B&B Cyber Cafe to chat, have coffee, relax, and enjoy my morning sitting at a machine in my own little world. The Owners Bobby and Brian, treated us all like part of their family. The employees there were wonderful to all of us. Actually waited on us! We got coffee, tea, cocoa, chips, cheezits,coffee cakes, bottled water, hard candy, soda and much more! It was all “FREE”! They gave us Pizza on Monday Nights, (their compiments) and many other times served us food, like chicken and broccoli, and finger sandwhiches(their compliments) On top of all that we also received complimentary points every day to play the sweepstakes games!

Is there anything illegal there? Is anyone being hurt, abused, mistreated, discrimated against? Any crime at all? NONE!

So all of us players cannot understand why you would take that away from the community. Many elderly would go there, just to have a cup of coffee, and a coffee cake , chat with everyone, get there “free” points , play them and leave! B&B made no money, just gave to the elerly and the community, asking nothing in return!

There are so many crimes being commited in Massachusetts, assaults, robberies, murders, kidnapping, arson, abuse on the elderly and much more!

Please clean up Massachusetts crimes save the people of the state from such violence!

Leave us at the cafe alone! We are enjoying ourselves, eating, relaxing, socializing, playing the sweepstakes, and not bothering a soul!

Thank you so much Bobby and Brian for giving us a safe place to relax and socialize with the community. For sharing your kindess and generosity to anyone that entered that door.

We all cannot wait for you to get back, we miss you terribly and all or friends.

Massachusetts Government, PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE! We are honest citizens of the state, and not bothering anyone, or doing anything wrong!
Jerri

Pom41

Hi Bobby

Hope you and the gang are OK. I know Roseann was planning to go to Aruba soon.

WIll you email someone when this fiasco is over? You do not deserve this, you and Brian and the rest have been so kind to all. I know you will be quite busy with all of this legal nonsense but we all miss going to the B & B and are eager to get back as you are I am sure.

If Cyber cafe owner pay 5% to state or there local town to support school and community centers then every thing going to be ok,
This is my advise

Zamp2

It’s the Lottery. They’re afraid of losing money.Lottery is now twice a day. Keno is in every restaurant and 7-11’s, etc etc etc and everywhere else. Constantly making new scratch tickets to catch the eye of a stupid buyer. It’s probably the reason why it;s taking so long to get the casinos going. Again I say, NOTHING MUST COME BETWEEN THE LOTTERY, KENO AND SCRATCH TICKETS. SELFISH MONEY GRABBING CROOKS,THEIR HANDS HAVE TO BE IN EVERYTHING. They blame gambling for seniors spending too much money. Well what the heck do they call the lottery? Oh, that’s different. That’s run by the state.

Lou

Hi Marie from Medford… Sorry the Lou you think I am is not. It’s Louanne, my post only put Lou… didn’t pay attention until it was posted.

Lou

Hi Bobby and Brian, I was so disappointed about the ridiculous raid I had to put a post up the first day. However, they put it in as Lou and not the full name. We love you guys, we do miss you all Roseanne, Wes, Chris and the whole gang. You have a wonderful group of people working for you – your warmth, generosity and friendliness is heartwarming. I miss all the people I met there too. We cannot wait until you are back and again, if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. Louanne

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_V5JMRUAKDIQLIHAFZFYYHUFLKM William

Hi Bob I just don’t understand why your place got raided. Many of my senior friends enjoyed going to the Cafe. I personnaly would rather have the police go after drug pushers, rapists, etc than guys like yourself providing seniors with a pastime that harms no one. Good Luck in Court Billy Bell

Pom41

Hi Louann

Thanks for the reply. I guess we are all saddened by the shutdown of the B & B. I hope if any one hears anything they will send a message.

Thanks

Rbk1

I wish I could reply to everyone on here individually, I am moved to tears when I read all the things written here, I truly miss each every person that I have come to know over this past year. I have never enjoyed going to work so much in my life, and it was because of all of you.

Brian and I are working with our attorneys trying to sort out this mess. We will do everything we can to get our Cafe open again, and we will have the biggest celebration with all our friends, or should I say “family” that anyone has ever seen. We will make the Christmas party look like a small gathering.

If you would like to stay in close contact, you can email me at rbk1@aol.com

@0ed557225a7b1d44fe0b7e4e5c01ab99:disqus
I would love to hear from everyone and I can start a Cyber Cafe mailing to keep everyone updated.

Thank you so much for all of your kind words, when I am feeling down and beaten my the state, I read all your comments and it puts the fire back in my belly.

Bobby

Camsuffolkgrad

Hi Bobby and all of your wonderful staff,

I miss all of you and want to thank you for the great hospitality that I received when visiting you guys. I miss it terribly, it was a nice place to socialize and I met so many nice people there.
I hope all goes well and look forward to the day that you will reopen.

Sincerely,
Camille (not carmella).

Dottyzorba

Keep driving to Revere to check on cafe. Miss it so badly. I want to be put on your e-mail list to be kept up-to-date. Hope it will be soon.

My sister and I couldn’t believe the cafe was gone. She gave it up for lent and then we went on vacation so we didn’t know you guys closed. We both enjoyed our time there. My sister spent more time there than I did but always met the nicest people and of course you Bobby, you couldn’t be a nicer person . We loved all your staff they were always so helpful. Let me know if you re-open or find a new place. sptym02145@yahoo.com

Pom41

Hi Bobby
Hope you and Brian are doing OK. I check every so often to see if any news about the reopening. We all miss going to B & B

Marie and the gang from Medford

Sissyk10

And I’ am so proud to have you as my son. love you more then life it self. Mom & Dad

Susan

Well it is a shame they closed down the place, I really enjoyed it. It was a great place to relax. But I have found that there is a place in Hampton Falls, NH that has the same machines as this place. 97 Lafayette Rd. Ive been there and its great!

Local22waterproofer

NH is pulling the same b.s. up north. Just passed a bill to ban these cafes. Absolutely ridiculous. Big government sucks. Only getting worse by the day. We need to petition these dirtbags to stay out of our business. If they want a cut, then regulate them, otherwise leave them the hell alone.